Winter storms in North Carolina may not happen every year, but when they do, they can catch homeowners off guard. Freezing temperatures, ice, and power outages can create serious safety risks for your home and family. Here are practical tips to stay safe when the cold hits hard.
1. Prepare for Power Outages Before They Happen
Winter storms are the leading cause of power outages in our region. When the grid goes down, your security system, heating, and communication all become vulnerable.
- Make sure your security system has a cellular backup so it stays connected even without power or internet. Alarm.com-powered systems include this by default.
- Keep a battery backup or UPS connected to your router and security panel.
- Charge all phones, laptops, and portable batteries before a storm arrives.
- Have flashlights and extra batteries in an easy-to-reach location.
2. Prevent Frozen Pipes with Smart Thermostats
Frozen pipes are one of the most expensive winter storm disasters for homeowners. A burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in water damage in minutes.
- Keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees, even if you leave the house.
- Use an Alarm.com smart thermostat to monitor your home’s temperature remotely. You will receive an alert if the indoor temperature drops below a safe level, giving you time to act.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let warm air circulate around pipes.
- Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold to keep water moving through the pipes.
3. Use Smart Sensors to Detect Problems Early
The biggest danger during a winter storm is not knowing something has gone wrong until it is too late. Smart sensors give you real-time visibility into what is happening at home.
- Water leak sensors placed near water heaters, washing machines, and under sinks will alert you immediately if a pipe bursts.
- Temperature sensors can monitor areas like garages, basements, and attics where pipes are most vulnerable to freezing.
- Door and window sensors let you know if an entry point has been left open, which can cause heat loss and increase the risk of frozen pipes.
All of these sensors can send instant notifications to your phone through the Alarm.com app, whether you are home or not.
4. Keep Your Family Safe with a Winter Emergency Plan
Having a plan before the storm arrives makes all the difference.
- Identify a warm room in your home where the family can gather if the heating system fails. Interior rooms with fewer windows retain heat best.
- Stock up on non-perishable food, water, and medications for at least three days.
- Keep warm blankets, sleeping bags, and extra layers of clothing accessible.
- Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working. Winter storm power outages often lead people to use generators, space heaters, or gas stoves improperly, which creates a carbon monoxide risk.
- Never run a generator indoors or in an attached garage.
5. Check Your Security System Before the Storm
A winter storm is not the time to discover your security system has an issue.
- Test your system’s cellular backup by temporarily disconnecting your internet and confirming the panel still communicates with the monitoring center.
- Replace any low batteries in door sensors, window sensors, and motion detectors.
- Verify that your emergency contacts are up to date with the monitoring center.
- Clear snow and ice from outdoor cameras so you maintain visibility around your property.
Pro Tip: E2 Technologies customers can call us at 919-306-1230 for a free system check before storm season. We will make sure your backup power, sensors, and monitoring are all ready to go.
Stay Prepared, Stay Safe
Winter storms can be unpredictable, but your home does not have to be unprotected. Smart home technology gives you the tools to monitor conditions, receive alerts, and take action from anywhere. If you want to add freeze sensors, water leak detection, or a smart thermostat to your system, contact us today. Our team will help you prepare for whatever winter throws your way.